Joey Bada$$ Has Been Channeled Jay Z When Down Roc Nation Deal

Joey Bada$$ details inspired by Jay Z, to follow his own career.

Joey Bada$$, is one of the biggest names in New York rap right now. He has made his name in the independent circuit, but says that he almost signed with Jay Z, Roc Nation. He says that his interactions with Hov in reality inspired him to embark on your own journey.

In an interview with DJ Whoo Kidd on "The Whoolywood Shuffle," the Pro Era rapper details how as a child he always wanted to sign with a record label.

"When I was like fucking 13 or 15 years old, I was caught in the mainstream of the rap, means of communication," Joey Bada$$, says. "I've always wanted to rap. At that time, I was like, 'Yo, I want to get a contract to Young Money, be like Lil Twist or Lil Chukee and shit.' Then when I was growing up I got into high school, he began to step on my bars. I just wanted to be signed to Jay Z. it was madness that made me go in two years, literally, from 15 to 17 years old, I was already on Roc Nation a lift that goes up to the 39th floor."

Joey Bada$$ references the meeting of Jay Z in his latest single "Ready", which is produced by Statik Selektah. In the interview, he details why rejected an agreement with the Rap mogul. He says that he was channeling his inner Jay Z when he said no.

"At that time I did knew that I could do anything," he says. "I even read Jay Z Decoded book and there's a chapter where he was, when he went to meet with Russell Simmons to sign with Def Jam, said that his only thought was sitting at the table, Russell Simmons was," Damn, I did not want to sign to this nigga. I want to be this black.' Something led me to the same, something I had that same perspective, but shit, shoutout to Jay, the man because he was on it before that a lot of people."

The rapper says it was a difficult decision and at the same time, part of him still wanted to sign up for high occupancy vehicle. The Roc Nation boss was very complimentary of the teen's work, which gave sufficient affirmation to start your own journey.